GM's New Heavy Duty Workhorses

GM’s new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy-Duty (HD) pickups feature class-leading power and torque, enhanced safety features, increased passenger and cargo capacity, and cleaner emissions than previous models. The redesigned pickups offer a choice between gasoline and diesel engines and incorporate exterior design options, differentiating them from their light-duty counterparts and each other.

“From an exterior standpoint, there’s more differentiation between the Chevy and the GMC than ever before,” said Rob Minton, communications manager, GM Fleet & Commercial Operations.

Providing a Range of Configurations

Offered in a range of 2500 HD (3/4-ton) and 3500 HD (1-ton) models, Silverado is available in WT, LT, and LTZ trim levels, while Sierra is available in WT, SLE, and SLT trims.

The 2007 Silverado and Sierra HD pickups offer several configurations, including three cab styles (Regular, Extended, and Crew), two bed lengths (standard 6.6 ft. and long 8 ft.), and five wheelbase lengths (133, 143.5, 153, 157.5, and 167 inches).

Segment-best capabilities include 18,500-lbs. GVWR for vehicles with a gasoline V-8 and a 13,000-lb. conventional trailer weight rating enabled by a larger-capacity trailer hitch platform. Maximum payload is 5,000 lbs., and towing capacity is 16,700 lbs. when equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch.

Silverado and Sierra 3500 HD models are also available with the “Dually” dual-rear-wheel configuration on the long box version.

Two interior choices are offered: a “pure-pickup” for base models and a luxury-inspired premium interior consisting of a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seating surface, and power-adjustable heated bucket seats, standard on the Silverado LTZ and Sierra SLT.

Targeting work fleets, the trucks are ideal for building and construction. Fleets can also order the chassis cab and convert it into a tow truck, dump truck, or service body truck for utility applications, according to Minton.

Offering Class-Leading Power

The 2007 Silverado and Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models are powered by a choice of two engines: a new, Gen-IV 6.0L gasoline V-8 engine with variable valve timing — which helps improve performance and fuel economy — and a cleaner, more powerful version of the Duramax 6.6L turbodiesel.

Offering segment-leading power and torque ratings, the gasoline engine cranks out 353 horsepower and 373 lb.-ft. of torque on single-rear-wheel configurations (up to 10,000 lbs. GVWR) and is mated to a new, Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission featuring grade braking capability.

Producing 365 horsepower and 660 lb.-ft. of torque, Duramax-powered truck engines, and new diesel particulate filter system upgrades reduce particulate matter emissions by 90% and NOx emissions by 50%, meeting the new 2007 federal government mandate.

An Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission is mated to the Duramax engine, providing improved fuel economy, quietness, and control. It allows the driver to select the desired gears to match driving conditions, such as towing a trailer on a steep grade.

“The trucks offer heavy-duty fleets three basic capabilities: power, pulling, and payload,” said Minton.

360° of Standard Safety Features

A host of standard safety features include four-wheel ABS brakes complemented by the Hydroboost brake application system, which requires less pedal pressure for improved brake response.

Additional safety features include dual frontal airbags, a new Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist system providing visual and audible warnings of objects behind the vehicle, a remote vehicle starting system, power-adjustable pedals, and the OnStar Generation 7 system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan.

A trailer brake controller is integrated with the ABS system to provide immediate and measured brake force to the electronically controlled trailer brakes while simultaneously applying the vehicle brakes.

Wider front and rear track widths offer enhanced ride and handling capability. Complementing standard 16-inch wheel-and-tire combinations on single-rear-wheel models, new 17-inch tires and aluminum wheels are available on the heavy-duty models.

Increased Passenger & Cargo Volume

With increased passenger and cargo capacity, the new Silverado and Sierra HD pickups provide 60.7 cu. ft. of cargo room on standard box versions and 75.5 cu. ft. on the long box. A new 40/20/40-split bench seat is available in Silverado LT and Sierra SLE models providing seating for three, concealed lockable underseat storage, and a 12-volt power outlet.

New on Extended Cab and Crew Cab models are folding rear seats with a 60/40-split bench design, which can be folded up to provide an open load floor. Or, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger.

New features include 170-degree-opening (164 degrees with dual-rear wheels) rear-access doors with retractable power windows on Extended Cab models for increased versatility.

“The Extended Cab is most popular with fleets with its 170-degree opening doors. It makes it easier for hauling equipment and tools and for accessing the back-seat area,” said Minton. “It’s a feature that fleets probably won’t really appreciate until they start using it and can see how much easier it is for loading and unloading equipment.”

Deeper pickup boxes — 1.18 in. in the front and 1.57 in. at the rear — enable the trucks to be upfitted with ladder racks and tool boxes. A new feature for 2007, the EZ Lift tailgate opens 45 degrees, simplifying the loading and unloading process.

A new factory-installed cargo management system consisting of a series of rails and tie downs — each one with a 500-lb. load-point rating — is also available on all Silverado and Sierra HD models and helps to secure loose cargo. The rails enable the use of an overhead utility rack, a toolbox, sliding bed divider, side storage boxes, and bicycle mount.

Available now, the trucks are sold through commercial dealers with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Starting MSRP for the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD pickups is $24,575 for the 2500 and $28,875 for the 3500.

Read more about the Chevrolet Silverado, from older models to newer editions.